The Dominican Republic’s Embassy in Canada officially launched Dominican Week in Canada 2025 in Ottawa, a two-day promotional event to position the country as a key economic partner on the world stage. The high-level event, set for 15 and 16 October 2025 focuses on the country’s leadership, economic dynamism, attractions, and investment opportunities.
A delegation of high-level business figures traveled to Canada for the event. These included: Fernando Capellán, president of Grupo M; Giselle Valera, president of Barrick Pueblo Viejo; Jaak Rannik, vice president of Grupo Rannik; Gustavo De Hostos, president of the Dominican-Canadian Chamber of Commerce; Claudia Pellerano, president of the Dominican Association of Industrial Free Zones; and Luis Emilio Rodriguez, director of the La Romana International Airport.
Dominican Ambassador to Canada, José Blanco Conde, underscored the event’s significance as a strategic platform. He emphasized the goal of establishing the Dominican Republic as a “reliable, competitive partner of great interest to Canada.”
The launch kicked off a robust, two-day agenda where a delegation of government officials and private sector leaders will hold meetings with federal, provincial, and parliamentary authorities, as well as influential business leaders.
The program includes thematic panels on crucial areas like air connectivity, trade, investment, tourism, and logistics. A key focus will be a roundtable discussion on critical minerals and rare earths, alongside a visit to the facilities of Canadian aviation giant Bombardier.
As reported, beyond economics, the ceremony celebrated Dominican culture. It featured a tasting of criolla cuisine prepared by renowned Dominican chef Dayanny de la Cruz, showcasing the country’s rich gastronomy and product quality.
The diplomatic mission presented chef de la Cruz with a special recognition for her distinguished career and her work promoting national cuisine internationally. A similar honor was bestowed upon Dominican sculptor Juan Trinidad for his valuable contributions to the arts and the global projection of Dominican culture.
The launch attracted prominent figures, including Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who delivered an official city proclamation in recognition of the initiative.
In a gesture of diplomatic exchange, Ambassador Blanco presented the Mayor’s office with a bust of Dominican national hero Juan Pablo Duarte on behalf of the Dominican government.
This year’s edition is strategically timed to coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month and the Global Forum of Toronto. Furthermore, it is positioned as a platform leading up to the X Summit of the Americas, which the Dominican Republic will host in December of this year.
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El Nacional
16 October 2025